Perhaps none more so than the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart and soul of your home, an area in which to do anything from host others, to sit alone peacefully. It is also a workstation, serving as the launching point for meals for family and friends. And, perhaps nothing sets the tone for the kitchen more than the countertops. So, when it comes to replacing your countertops, what materials should you use? Today we take a look at how to choose the right material for your countertops.
Granite: Durable and Popular
When it comes to countertops, the first material that most people think of is granite. Granite is timeless and durable. It is traditional but also can be modern. Its natural look, resistance to heat and scratches, and low maintenance all really make it a great choice for countertops. To ensure that it remains stain free, you need to regularly seal the stone. And, even though it is the most classic and ubiquitous stone for countertops, it is still a somewhat expensive option. Prices can range from $35 to $100 per square foot to install, but granite countertops do tend to boost your home’s resale value.
Marble: Glamor and Elegance
Marble is beautiful. It has served as the material for sculptors since the ancient Greeks, even serving as the material of choice for Michelangelo’s David. As such, it can lend an air of culture and luxury to your home. Marble is not only a great looking natural stone but the soft stone is also a great workplace for bakers as it is heat resistant. You won’t find as many color options as granite but the natural stone colors of marble are beautiful enough to feed your distinguished appetite. Marble is definitely more expensive than granite, and is harder to maintain. As said above, marble is a soft stone and is prone to chips and stains. This makes putting time and money into upkeep for marble a must.
Concrete: Ultimate Customization
If you are interested in standing out from the crowd and doing unique things in your home, then concrete may be a good route for you. Concrete is an eco-friendly, durable material that could be molded into any shape and cast with inlays such as glass and rocks. Concrete is scratch and heat resistant, and is readily available. However, that does not mean that concrete is an inexpensive option. Custom concrete countertops can run anywhere from $75 – $125 per square foot to install. And while concrete is not difficult to maintain, it does require sealing to avoid cracks.
Laminate: The Inexpensive Alternative
We have talked about some of the more expensive options for your countertops, but what about laminate? Laminate has been used for years as an inexpensive option for home builders looking to cut costs. So, if you are on a tight budget this may just be the option for you. Laminate is easy to maintain and very easy to install. Although it will never need to be sealed, laminate is an easy material to burn, scratch, and stain. Installing laminate will cost you $10 – $30 per square foot.
Wood: Butcher Board
If you are so tired of stone and artificial options and need a large work area then butcher board is a good option. Wood countertops can serve as basically an oversized cutting board, and wood has natural antibacterial properties making it a safe and natural option. Wood does not require sealing but does need oiling to fill in scratches and protect the surface. Wood can show scratches and can be susceptible to moisture. Butcher block typically costs $90 – $125 per square foot.
Which One is Best For You?
Hopefully, this list helps you make your big decision on which material is best for your countertop. There are other options available as well, so if you have any further questions be sure to visit Capitol Granite to get any additional help you may need. We are always here to help you make your kitchen countertop dreams a reality!
